Techie Hound: Erase Pesky Memories

"There is no refuge from memory and remorse in this world. The spirits of our foolish deeds haunt us, with or without repentance." Gilbert Parker

Well Gilbert, one fine day scientists might just prove you wrong. That day is fast approaching.

Scientists from The Scripps Research Institute have been fondling rodents again. That's Florida for ya! This time they've discovered that they can erase "dangerous drug associated memories" without affecting other more benign memories. In other words, they can selectively deduct bad mumbo jumbo. That's the official scientific term. You heard it first on My IGN.

"We're looking for strategies to selectively eliminate evidence of past experience related to drug abuse or a traumatic event. Our study shows we can do just that in mice - wipe out deeply engrained drug-related memories without harming other memories," said Courtney Miller, a TSRI assistant professor who led the research.

I can agree that this could help people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, depression or people with various addictions. However, I'm not too sure this is the way to go unless you're critically impaired to the point of no recovery. I truly believe this should only be used to "treat" people who harm others - like child molesters. Their past experiences have a huge impact on their atrocities.

Everyone else needs to buck up. Memory shapes who we are. Even though much of our memories are skewed by biased ideals or different peer perspectives it's still an important aspect of individualism.

There's nothing like overcoming an overwhelming obstacle on your own, or even with help. Once you jump that hurdle you feel like you can do anything. It's a hard road but it makes you stronger. Deleting parts of your past is bound to change the person you can become. It will undoubtedly change the impact your story will have on others as well. What advice can you give if the past experience that gave you that piece of knowledge is gone?

I feel like people are losing their will to fight. Since when is the easy way the best way?

What do you think? Would you want to erase parts of your past?

Click here for more information on how these sexy, nerdy beasts made their discovery.